HWhen I was on Marshall this summer I was keeping an eye out for the herd path from cold brook (just beta for a possible future route). It's supposed to connect with the main herd path along Herbert Brook near the top.

That's old. At least 12 years ago. These days, the herd path comes out right on the summit. Pretty much directly opposite the one coming up Herbert Brook. It's in VERY good condition. There is only one widening cliff that is difficult to descend. As twith most of the, if you continue along the cliff, it gets lower. You'll descend, do across a flat section, then go up a lesser peak before heading toward the pass.